(One of many possible translations* of « Chanson d’automne » by Paul Verlaine)

for Sandra Feldman

Drawn out sobsViolins of autumnWound my heartThrough a languor Monotonous

Hardly breathingAnd turning wan, when The knell tolls, I recallDays gone by And I cry

And I have to leaveWith the unwelcome wind Which bears me awayHere now, there thenMuch as a (Wafting) Dead leaf.

• This is as close to a literal translation as I can get, for I do think the original visual structure ought not to be disturbed and as long as the poet’s « meaning » (Intentional fallacy/Affective fallacy notwithstanding) , if any, be not overly distorted.

Good Morning, Sandra! The least I can do for a poet who in the tréfonds de son coeur found in Paul Verlaine dans le tréfonds de son âme a poet semblable and true to nature. I think you deserve every bit of the dedication. Thank you ever so much for the message-email on the translation. Every good wish. Wignesan
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